Respiratory Care Intern - Respiratory Care Services - Rotating

Essential Job Statements

Under direction of a respiratory therapist, the intern:  

• Provides patient care limited to only procedures that have been completed in the respiratory care school curriculum and with Respiratory Educators prior being done in hospital patient care areas.    

• Utilizes the respiratory care process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to recommend, delegate, coordinate and provide safe, therapeutic respiratory care to patients.  

• In inpatient setting, may perform respiratory care under supervision of an RT, including but not limited to: basic spirometry, airway clearance techniques, tracheostomy management, medication administration, patient transportation, airway management and suctioning, ventilator management, analyzing and drawing blood gases (as applicable), and other duties not listed that is within the scope of a licensed respiratory therapist if supervised.   

• Cleans, calibrates, sterilizes, assemble, transports, and distributes respiratory and resuscitation equipment. 

• Assists with making judgments/decisions and acts regarding a wide range of routine and complex patient issues.  

• Understand and follow departmental or organizational policy and procedures that minimizes risk of harm to patients, foster communication, support effective teamwork, and ensure system effectiveness.  

• Responds immediately to pages and codes throughout the medical center with assistance to basic BLS techniques with a licensed respiratory therapist.  

• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department.  

• Provides assistance to team members.  

• Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously. 

Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months) Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older) 

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited Respiratory Care Program within by the State of Virginia 

Preferred Education: Previous hospital/medical background or experience 

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure/Certification Required: Current AHA BLS Certification 

Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A

Minimum Qualifications 

Years and Type of Required Experience: Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited Respiratory Care Program within by the State of Virginia 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: N/A

Cultural Responsiveness: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: N/A

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *  May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *   May have periods of constant interruptions. 

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control. 

Physical Requirements 

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards  

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements

Hazards: Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory – Emotional   

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking 

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change 

Compensation Range

Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran